Why I Love Keywords (And You Should, Too!)

I have seen rumours lately that SEO is dead. Maybe that makes sense because of the continuous changes being made by Google to their algorithms (basically formulas that provide the results they display). But I disagree. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is here to stay. And I can prove it to you.

When you are trying to find a hair salon in Chicago because you are speaking at an event and your hair is driving you crazy. Where do you look? If you are like most of us, you will grab your phone or computer and type in Best Hair Salon in Chicago. The search engine you use (my go to is always Google) will give you a list of possibilities. Now how are these particular business showing up? Well, because they have optimized their websites and listings with search engines in mind.

I know that the term SEO can send people running, but I would like you to take a step back and think about the keywords themselves… not SEO.

So what are keywords anyway? Keywords can be a single word, or group of words, that are really search terms that help us find information on what we are looking for. Generally these words, or combination of words have been identified as being used by our potential customers, when they are searching online.

Here are 3 reasons why I love keywords and you should too:

Keywords make it easy for your audience to find you: Use words that your desired clientele would be looking for, so that they don’t have to do extra work to weed out websites that are not relevant to them.

Keywords can help build your expert status: Utilize keywords throughout your social networking posts. Identifying the topic that you are sharing information about will begin to grow your social proof, and result in you becoming a “go-to” expert in that area.

Keywords can take you to the top of google search returns: Be known for what you speak about, what service you provide, and how you provide solutions. Incorporating keywords in your overall online presence, from websites/blogs to social media to social networking bios to book titles and descriptions, you can increase your chances of being found at the top of the search engines returns.

By making determining the right keywords, to attract the right audience, you will begin to see higher and higher conversion.

Last year when I was contacted by a lovely lady in the spa service industry, her biggest complaint was that she just wasn’t getting any traction with her website. Bookings tended to be word of mouth and she wasn’t showing up in the first 10 pages in Google search returns. After doing some research to determine how people were currently finding her, keyword research and some competitive analysis, we made changes that resulted in her regularly showing up near the top of the first page. I was just speaking with her last week, and she is incredibly busy now.

So, once you are clear on the results you are trying to achieve and who your ideal client is, your online presence can soar.

Tracey Ehman, an Online Presence and Social Media Strategist, is the go-to person for enhancing your online presence, ensuring that you not only get "found" by your target audience, but that your website and social media efforts increase your revenues. Tracey is also part of the Women Speakers Association (WSA) Executive Team, and co-host of the weekly WSA #SpeakerChat.